On March 9, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee held an inauguration ceremony for the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro (Metro Line 1) at the area above Ben Thanh Station – 23/9 Park.

The event followed the metro line’s commercial launch more than two months ago, on December 22, during the 10th Vietnam-Japan Festival, symbolizing the strong friendship between the two nations.

Spanning 19.7 kilometers with 14 stations, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro connects the city center with Thu Duc City. It is Vietnam’s first metro line with underground sections and features advanced construction technologies.

Funded by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and domestic counterpart funding, the project is a key economic collaboration between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments.

After more than two months in operation, the metro has served over five million passengers and received positive feedback from the public.

During the inauguration, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thanh Nghi welcomed Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, while city leaders and representatives from the Japanese government also experienced a metro ride together.

Speaking at the ceremony, Furukawa Yasushi, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, emphasized that the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro symbolizes the deepening railway cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

He noted that the Japanese government contributed to the metro’s development through ODA financing, while Japanese companies participated in its construction, providing rolling stock and signaling systems.

“I understand that when Metro Line 1 opened last December, many people were eager to experience the train. I am delighted that so many passengers are now using a metro system built with Japanese technology,” Furukawa said.

He affirmed Japan’s continued support in operating and managing the metro by sharing expertise, further strengthening cooperation in urban railway development.

Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, stated that the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro is not only a modern transportation project but also a key economic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. It has been prioritized for investment cooperation by both governments.

“Today’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Ho Chi Minh City’s modern urban transit system. However, this is only the first step. Ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of Metro Line 1 will be a critical focus in the coming period,” Chairman Duoc emphasized.

He urged the city’s Urban Railway Management Board and relevant agencies to pay close attention to these concerns and develop detailed plans to manage and optimize the metro’s operations, ensuring that the landmark project continues to strengthen Vietnam-Japan collaboration.

Tuan Kiet